The ongoing energy transition and the rapid development of a hydrogen pipeline backbone are crucial for achieving net-zero targets. Repurposing existing pipelines for hydrogen transport is a key strategy, though it presents new technical and operational challenges for pipeline owners and operators.

This paper presents the work conducted in Work Package 6 of the TransHyDe GetH2 project. A high-pressure natural gas pipeline is being prepared for future hydrogen service by Nowega. To enable this conversion, the current condition of the pipeline, including existing defects, was assessed, and critical components were replaced to ensure suitability for hydrogen transport.

To establish a baseline condition for the pipeline’s conversion to hydrogen, in-line inspection tools using ultrasound technology were deployed to detect corrosion and cracks, with water serving as the coupling medium. A new in-line inspection tool based on ultra-high-resolution Electro-Magnetic Acoustic Transducer (EMAT) technology is being developed to perform reference inspections in a hydrogen environment. This tool is designed to identify crack-like anomalies without the need for a coupling medium.

As part of this work package, ROSEN has engineered an in-line inspection tool suitable for hydrogen service. The following aspects were addressed during the development:
• Simulation of the in-line inspection tool’s run behavior,
• Durability testing of selected components under hydrogen conditions,
• Development of specialized sensors and components,
• Construction and qualification of the inspection tool.

These efforts contribute to the safe and efficient conversion of existing infrastructure for hydrogen transport, supporting the broader goals of the energy transition.